WLOC CANADA SUMMIT - APRIL 16, 2026

Women Leading on Climate Summit

Leading through uncertainty: Celebrating Canadian women keeping climate on the agenda

Hosted by: Climate & Nature Solutions


Date: April 16th, 2026

Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Location: Grand Quay, Port of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Morning Program

8:30 - 9:30 AM – Arrival and Registration (Joint with Montreal Climate Summit)

Registration Desk, Grand Quay Entrance

  • Attendees receive name badges and program materials

  • Light refreshments available

  • Opening Remarks 

9:30 - 10:00 AM – Opening Session

Salle Fleuve Saint-Laurent

Montréal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada will open the Summit with a conversation about how city leadership is advancing ambitious climate action, featuring:

  • Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Advisor & Board Chair, America Is All In Coalition

  • Eric Garcetti, former Mayor of Los Angeles & C40 Ambassador for Climate and Diplomacy

  • Catherine McKenna, former Federal Minister of Environment & CEO of Climate & Nature Solutions

Women Leading on Climate participants move to separate, on-site room for WLOC Summit

10:00 - 10:30 AM – Women Leading on Climate Opening Session

Facilitators Jane McDonald and Catherine McKenna kick off the day with introductions and an icebreaker.

10:30 - 11:00 AM – Keynote: Canada’s Federal Climate Priorities for 2026

Speaker:

  • The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change (TBC)

11:00 - 11:30 AM – Fireside debate: Who should be leading on climate, the federal government or provinces?

Speakers:

  • Shannon Phillips, Partner, Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips Policy Advisors, former Alberta Minister of Environment

  • Désirée McGraw, Member of Quebec’s National Assembly and Official Opposition Critic for the Fight Against Climate Change

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM – Climate Leadership by cities, companies, and financial institutions

Speakers:

  • Zoe Grams, Executive Director at Climate Caucus, on supporting and connecting climate-forward municipal leaders across Canada and her ambitions to build bridges to other levels of government

  • Jane Ambachtsheer, Global Head of Sustainability at BNP Paribas Asset Management, on staying engaged in collective efforts despite political backlash and making climate action economically defensible, not just ethical

  • Corporate speaker [TBC]

Lunch & Networking

12:15 - 1:15 PM – Conversation: How geopolitics are changing the climate conversation

Moderator: Catherine McKenna

Speakers:

  • Shari Friedman,former Managing Director of Climate and Sustainability at Eurasia Group, on what’s next for major economies likeChina and India

  • Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Advisor Co-Chair of America Is All In, on fighting for the US climate agenda

  • Sophie Flak, Executive Board Member and Managing Partner at Eurazeo, on the EU climate policy outlook


1:15 - 2:00 PM – Guided Nature Walk

Participants will have an opportunity to explore the historic waterfront district with professional guides highlighting the unique ecology and climate change impacts on Montreal greenspaces and the St. Lawrence seaway. 

Afternoon Program

2:00 - 3:00 PM – Scaling electrification: How are governments and businesses responding?

Speakers: 

  • Rachel Doran, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada, on the latest developments and federal policy 

  • Philippe Dunsky, President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, on what’s next in provincial action 

3:00 - 3:15 PM – Coffee Break 


3:15 - 4:00 PM – Engaging the broader public: Communicating climate solutions in a polarized environment

Moderator: Jane McDonald 

Speakers: 

  • Amber Bennett, Executive Director of Re.Climate, on how Canadians think about climate

  • Sarah Lazarovic, Creative Strategist at More Vibrant, on the tactics we need now to engage the public now


4:00 - 5:00 PM – Closing conversation & performance with acclaimed Inuk singer Elisapie

Catherine McKenna and Elisapie discuss the power of narrative in shaping environmental awareness, the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of climate change, and the strength required to navigate and respond to global challenges. And, as a bonus, we will be treated to some songs! 

Women Leading on Climate participants rejoin the Montreal Climate Summit in the main hall

Evening Program

5:00 – 7:00 PM – Reception & Networking 

Grand Quay Terrace

  • Informal networking for summit participants and invited guests

  • Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres provided

  • Dress code: Business Casual

WLOC Canada Summit hosted by Climate & Nature Solutions  |  Grand Quay, Port of Montreal  |  April 16, 2026